Bangladesh delegate Muhammad Nawshad Zamir proposed three key provisions at the UNGA
Bangladesh has called for a strong international convention to prevent and punish crimes against humanity, urging special recognition and support for countries hosting victims of such atrocities, according to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Sixth Committee of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Bangladesh delegate Muhammad Nawshad Zamir proposed three key provisions for the convention: cooperation in preserving evidence and protecting witnesses in host countries; support for survivors, including access to justice at national and international levels; and international solidarity in sharing the burden borne by countries hosting victims, the mission said in the release.
Citing Bangladesh’s experience of sheltering more than one million Rohingya forcibly displaced from Myanmar, Zamir stressed that countries hosting victims of atrocities must be included in international accountability mechanisms.
Referring to Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising, he cited a UN report that estimated up to 1,400 people were killed, including children, and called for investigations into possible crimes against humanity, according to the statement.
Bangladesh also advocated universal jurisdiction, stronger extradition mechanisms and an end to impunity. Zamir emphasised the importance of preventing such crimes and ensuring justice for women and children.
He said the proposed convention should complement the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), while safeguarding the court’s independence.
“A convention diluted until it offends no one will protect no one,” Zamir warned.